#17 Friday Spotlight: James Wilthew - From Afghan With Rugs

Lee Harris-Hamer, XFE Ambassador and owner of White Horse Cleaning Services, delves into what makes him tick, his motivation for starting his business, and the drive and determination behind his desire to keep the business growing and growing – listen to the full episode now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Wilthew, owner of The Afghan Rug Shop and XFE Ambassador for the Yorkshire and Humber region, delves into his unique and inspiring backstory, and shares what being a business owner means to him. From serving in Afghanistan, with the UK Provincial Reconstruction Team, James now provides jobs and local support to that very same community. Hear the full story in our latest Friday Spotlight.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our latest podcast episode follows the journey of Emma Davies, from the British Army Reserves, through to the inception and growth of her armed forces recruitment agency, Joint Force Alba. Our X-Forces Ambassador for Scotland also delves into how we should embrace networking, and how the ability to network may be ingrained in all of us without us realising it – particularly those in the military community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Saunders, owner of Toddle and newly-appointed X-Forces Ambassador for South Wales, gives us a short history behind Toddle, how her military background has set her up for success in business, and the importance of adapting and pivoting during a crisis.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newly-appointed X-Forces Ambassador for the East Midlands, Carrie Moss, talks us through the inspiration behind her companies Edith Limited and Grandy’s Granddaughter, the journey from ‘then to now’, and how her military background has shaped her and her businesses along the way.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lt Col Deborah Taylor is a fiercely passionate advocate for maximising opportunities and leading change for young people getting into the military. Having project managed 2017’s Women 100 event, masterminded the first STEM career fair in 2018 and crowned winner of the 2018 STEM in Defence Award, Colonel Deborah Taylor’s impact on the military community is inspiring to many. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neel Singh of Dorking Brewery has 3 key values: Be kind, take ownership, get things done. Neel has been a Royal Navy Reservist for almost sixteen years and he is our XFE Military in Business Ambassador for London and the South-East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of International Women’s Week our next podcast champions ‘force of nature’ Karen Tracey, who is our Military in Business Ambassador for the West Midlands. Karen has enjoyed three careers, so far, nine years in the military, 20 years in corporate business and, more recently, her own business. In fact *2020 marks the 10th anniversary of her business, developing and training senior business leaders. Karen is one of XFE’s key allies, always willing to give up her time to help and support others. In Karen’s words ‘I think every entrepreneur is a role model to other entrepreneurs’.  *This podcast was pre-recorded in 2019 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Warrant Officer Keith May tells how he capitalised on education support available whilst serving in the Armed Forces and qualified as an accountant. With transition support of X-Forces Enterprise has gone on to set up his own accountancy practice and in turn, now helps members of the Armed Forces community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For some, the turn of the New Year can be a time looked forward to with more trepidation than hope; as a result of their personal circumstances. It is for this reason that the inspiring story of Jamie and his mother Mandy Small must be heard. Hear how a young boy determined to make the sad death through suicide of his father Chris into a way of helping others. We are privileged and truly inspired to hear Jamie and Mandy’s story.And through touching on their own personal experiences of the effects of suicide during the interview, Ren and Mandy hope this story can reach anyone else in need of support; letting them know of the help available throughout the Armed Forces family and beyond. You are never alone.*Please note this podcast was recorded in 2019. Mandy’s SSAFA event, cited in the podcast, will take place on March 14th 2020. Tickets for purchase are available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.